What does it mean to be Pre-Medicine (Pre-Med)?
Pre-medicine (pre-med) is not a specific major. The term is used to describe students who plan to pursue an M.D. (Doctor of Medicine) or D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) after completing an undergraduate degree. Pre-med students must complete courses required for admission to medical school, acquire the capacity to perform well on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), and gain the depth of knowledge necessary to be successful in medical school. A degree program that provides a strong background in the natural sciences is essential.
The Biology, Pre-Professional (Pre-Medicine), B.S. is designed to provide prerequisite coursework and opportunities for students to acquire foundational knowledge (in biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics) that will prepare them for the MCAT and the rigor of medical school.
Pre-med students are encouraged to begin a discussion with their academic advisor during the first year (to develop a plan) and continue these discussions throughout their undergraduate career (to review progress and receive advice on the timing and execution of the plan).
What Other Courses Should Pre-Medical Students Take?
We recommend PSYC 110 (General Psychology) and SOCI 101 (Introduction to Sociology). These courses provide content relevant to the Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior section of the MCAT. Students may select these courses as General Electives or as part of the Chowan VALUES Core.
We recommend that pre-med students select BIOL 221 (Human Anatomy and Physiology I) and BIOL 222 (Human Anatomy and Physiology II) as Electives in the Core. Although few medical schools specifically require these courses for admission, mastering the content of these undergraduate courses will help students perform well on portions of the MCAT and survive their first anatomy and physiology course in medical school.
What Else Should Pre-Medical Students Do Before Applying to Medical School?
Relevant work or volunteer experience is essential for developing a competitive medical school application. Examples include participation in the Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP), shadowing a physician, participating in health care related volunteer opportunities, becoming a medical scribe, or pursuing certifications (e.g., Emergency Medical Technician or Certified Nursing Assistant). Students completing relevant work, volunteer, or shadowing experiences may be eligible to receive credit toward their degree program (BIOL 493 – Cooperative Internship Experience).
What is the MCAT?
The MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) is a standardized exam required for admission to medical schools in the United States and Canada. It is an important component of a competitive medical school application.
The MCAT contains 4 sections that assess critical thinking skills and knowledge in biology, chemistry (general chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry), physics, psychology, and sociology.
- Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
- Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
- Psychological, Social and Biological Foundations of Behavior
- Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills
Criteria for Admission to Program
Students pursuing a degree in biology are officially admitted to the program upon satisfying the following criteria:
2.0 GPA for all university work completed at time of admission to program.
Grades of C or better in the following core courses:
GPA 2.00
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